Edmund Hall North was a renowned American screenwriter, best known for sharing the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay with Francis Ford Coppola in 1970 for their work on the film Patton. Born on March 12, 1911, North's life was marked by a passion for storytelling, which began to take shape during his formative years.
As a child, North was exposed to the world of entertainment through his parents, Bobby North and Stella Maury, who were both performers in vaudeville and the Ziegfeld Follies. This early exposure likely influenced North's decision to pursue a career in writing, which he began to do while attending Culver Military Academy in Indiana and later at Stanford University.
North's writing talents were further honed during his time in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, where he worked on training and educational films. This experience likely helped him develop the skills and discipline necessary to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting.
In addition to his work on Patton, North is also credited with writing the screenplay for the 1951 science-fiction classic The Day the Earth Stood Still, which features the iconic line "Klaatu barada nikto." This line has since become a cultural reference point and a testament to North's ability to craft memorable and impactful dialogue.
Throughout his career, North was a respected figure in the film industry, serving as a former president of the screen branch of the Writers Guild of America. He was also a prolific committee member, serving on more than 40 committees, including the contract-bargaining panel.
North was married to Collette and had two daughters, Susan and Bobbie. He resided in Brentwood, California, until his passing on August 28, 1990, at the age of 79. Despite his passing, North's legacy continues to be felt in the world of film, and his contributions to the industry remain a testament to his enduring talent and dedication.
